SEC releases statement on penalty reversal in Georgia's win at Texas
AUSTIN, Tex. — Georgia’s 30-15 win over Texas on Saturday produced one of the weirdest things we’ve seen on the College Football field this season. The interception turned defensive pass interference turned interception again has drawn a statement from the SEC.
“With 3:12 to play in the third quarter of the Georgia at Texas game, Texas intercepted a pass at the Texas 46-yard line and returned it to the Texas 9 yard line. Texas was flagged for committing defensive pass interference on the play which resulted in Georgia maintaining the ball with a first down.
“The game officials gathered to discuss the play, which is permitted to ensure the proper penalty is enforced, at which time the calling official reported that he erred, and a foul should not have been called for defensive pass interference. Consequently, Texas was awarded the ball at the Texas 9 yard line.
“While the original evaluation and assessment of the penalty was not properly executed, it is unacceptable to have debris thrown on the field at any time.
“The disruption of the game due to debris being thrown onto the field will be reviewed by the Conference office related to SEC sportsmanship policies and procedures.”
The SEC’s statement does not, however, explain how the officials came to reverse a decision seven minutes after the fact, but it ultimately did not determine the outcome of the game. Texas reached the end zone two plays later to cut Georgia’s lead to 23-15.
The Bulldog offense responded quickly with a 21-yard strike from Carson Beck, whose last throw was the interception, to Arian Smith to convert a third and long. Then Beck found Oscar Delp for a 43-yard pickup, hit Dillon Bell for a gain of nine yards, and put the Bulldogs in position to score their third touchdown of the day. Trevor Etienne punched it in on fourth down to put the Bulldogs up 30-15 and that’s how the game would end.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart also commented on the call, sharing his displease and concern for the precedent set by SEC officials.
